"Starlink in Lebanon: Who Does it Really Serve?" 12 June 2025

At the time, the Media and Telecommunications Parliamentary Committee expressed strong reservations about the proposal, while security agencies blocked the entry of Starlink equipment over concerns that it could evade oversight and access citizens’ data unlawfully...Objections to introducing Starlink into Lebanon can be broken down into three main points. The first issue addresses obtaining licensing: legally, this must be handled exclusively through the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which has yet to be formed. The second issue raises concerns about data control under a satellite-based internet provider. And third, the exclusivity of the partnership with Starlink without opening the market to competition from other companies, which Minister Hajj insists on...

The Starlink controversy has provoked strong objections from Lebanon’s internet service providers (ISPs). Seven companies—Inconet, Transmog, Terranet, Broadband, CableOne, Gedarcom, and Globalcom—signed a letter of objection to the Presidency, the Council of Ministers, and the Parliamentary Telecommunications Committee, calling for a carefully planned and gradual approach to introducing Starlink into the internet market...
According to their estimates, this would lead to a significant decline in revenues and a loss of up to 25% of their customer base, particularly among businesses and private institutions, resulting in a 27% drop in income, ultimately reducing the state’s overall revenue...
“No company should be allowed to sell satellite internet services in a market already plagued by regulatory chaos, violations, and a deteriorating national terrestrial infrastructure,” Yassin told SMEX...

On another front, one of the most significant issues surrounding Starlink is the potential violation of digital sovereignty. A telecommunications expert, who spoke to SMEX on condition of anonymity, explained that under Lebanon’s telecommunications law, the transfer of citizens’ data outside the country is prohibited, as is its use or storage by a foreign state...
“The public should be informed about the nature and duration of the license, the state’s share of Starlink revenues, the company’s investments in Lebanon, and other related questions,” added the expert...To date, the state’s share in the deal remains unknown, but the bulk of the profits will go to the parent company...

“Starlink’s services will be launched for businesses due to their high cost and will not be accessible to ordinary citizens or remote areas"...

...Pointing out that he currently owns—or has previously held—shares in two internet service providers, Waves and Connect, both of which are involved in distributing Starlink services...Notably, these two companies did not sign the letter of objection submitted by private ISPs against Starlink’s entry into the Lebanese market.

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